Ahead of the launch of the HTC Inspire 4G this weekend, an internal memo has leaked confirming new details on the data plans for 4G devices going forward. First, the plans will mirror the current DataPlus and DataPro plans with the most recent modifications for Mobile Hotspot, but anyone wishing to upgrade to a 4G device with an older unlimited data plan will be forced to switch plans, with the only exception being made for Government accounts.

With this change being implemented this weekend, it may cause many with grandfathered unlimited plans to second guess buying a 4G class device from AT&T if customers are being forced to abandon data plans.Â This also follows recent reports of AT&T allowing certain customers back on unlimited iPhone data plans.

Update: AT&T has responded to the report and has issued the following statement:
“Customers who currently have an unlimited plan can upgrade to a 4G device and keep their unlimited plans.”

not likely to be a huge issue when it is explained to them how much data it takes to reach 2GB on a mobile device.
Once you get over the hurtle that it’s not a computer, but a mobile phone that is receiving compressed data that fits within the constrains of the device display, it’s a pretty easy sell.

Understand this, if I have a slingbox or want to stream Netflix, Pandora or use Google Maps as a GPS to my phone on a daily basis I probably could very easily hit 2GB a month. Just because YOU don’t use 2GB a month, stop speaking for me. People in the 2% who had 1.8GB/month had a completely care-free experience, now they have to worry about staying below their data ceiling or they face overage charges.

People have a right to be informed at price gouging and getting less value for it, stop downplaying these types of post–troll. If you don’t know what you are talking about stay off the forums…

Previously, I was on a Blackberry unlimited plan with ATT and when upgrading to a 4G phone, they let you keep the unlimited, but with $5 extra….so, instead of $45, it now costs me $50…which still isn’t bad. At least I don’t have to choose the limited 4GB or 2GB plans.